I didn't bring business cards to Japan. Big mistake.

The ritual of Japanese business cards.
Subscribe to the Vox Borders newsletter for weekly updates: www.vox.com/bor...
Follow Johnny for more photos and videos from his travels around the globe.
Facebook: goo.gl/l0x5cA Instagram: goo.gl/CduwlO
Ritual and ceremony are paramount in Japanese culture. Together, they dictate social interactions at both the macro and micro scales of society. Understanding and navigating these norms can be difficult, but sometimes the solution is waiting in Tokyo’s metro.
Vox Borders is a new international series focused on telling the human stories that emerge from lines on the map. Johnny will travel to six border locations to produce a final set of documentaries. While he travels he'll release dispatches on KZbin and Facebook documenting his experiences. Learn more: www.vox.com/bor...
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out www.vox.com to get up to speed on everything from Kurdistan to the Kim Kardashian app.
Subscribe to our channel! goo.gl/0bsAjO
Check out our full video catalog: goo.gl/IZONyE
Follow Vox on Twitter: goo.gl/XFrZ5H
Or on Facebook: goo.gl/U2g06o

[@Vox]

Hey everyone: this dispatch video is part of the Vox Borders project. I'm visiting six places around the world to investigate the human impact of borders, and those six videos will be released in fall 2017. In the meantime I'm making these vlog style shorts. If you want to follow my travels, the best way to do it is following my FB page: facebook.com/johnnyharrisvox and signing up for the newsletter at www.vox.com/borders-email. I'll be asking for video ideas, feedback on the project, and answering questions as it unfolds. -Johnny

[@vakyodai]

Vox ok

[@ligita68]

Look at that subtle coloring. The tasteful thickness.

[@gordusmaximus4990]

Omg, it even has a watermark!

[@rumblefish9]

DAT kerning tho!

[@FiliJohn]

haha

[@aidani4633]

ligita68 Oh my god it even has a watermark

[@lalajdhfbdj]

This is not an exit

[@cherryslat5702]

Next episode: I forgot the bring my anime body pillow to Japan, big mistake

[@marlonyo]

but how can he sleep

[@PMNS1995]

There is probably a vending machine for it

[@賴義方-m2o]

You don't bring anime body pillows to Japan. You leave Japan with two full luggage filled with them.

[@animeshkaushik6938]

@@賴義方-m2o Facts

[@BlackMethane]

No business cards?!? Dishonor!! dishonor to your family dishonor to your cow.

[@KaiMangaKnight]

Alphonse Marceau Isn't that from Disney's Mulan? hahaha

[@k0kiss]

Kai Kuroi 黒井カイ yeah Mushu, the most sassy Dragon

[@KaiMangaKnight]

a user has no name Yeah! Mushu. He cracks me up. hahaha

[@hanguyen5101997]

Yeah, what a shame display lol.

[@Leonard2542]

+Kai Kuroi 黒井カイ you alo commenting a lot on the "Find your love in Japan" channel desune?!

[@andrewkovnat]

I wonder what Japan's buildings would look like with adblock.

[@artski09]

ask a nuke

[@Yatsura2]

damn...

[@1david1r47]

no

[@HM-hq4vf]

exactly like Times Square with adblock

[@m3m3lord61]

@@artski09 out of pocket 💀

[@terrymai9216]

Vox doesn't use Metric in their videos. Big mistake.

[@leuvenfra]

Agreed!

[@cobytang]

Here, have an upvot...... wait, wrong site.

[@danielk3919]

cobytang 9gag

[@ferdynand2402]

Terry Mai hahahhaa

[@thanosunreal5848]

GOTEM

[@h.a.5468]

Next Episode: I brought my laptop to the border. Big mistake.

[@sizanogreen9900]

Or: I bought my camera into north korea. big mistake.

[@eganplaysMC]

I went outside. Big mistake.

[@MrGlostuber]

I was born. Big mistake.

[@HuangHuangGBX]

I stole a poster in North Korea. Big mistake.

[@hybridjunkie]

I forgot to eat dinner. Big mis-steak.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

*What you're describing is literally the scene from AMERICAN PSYCHO* *"Look at that subtle off white coloring.* *The tasteful thickness of it.* *OH MY GOD, IT Even has a WATERMARK."*

[@jackneville3295]

How'd a nitwit like you get so tasteful?

[@miksuko]

Why bold

[@lzcdf]

He didn't got a reservation at Dorcia, he went to TexArkana

[@marknelson55]

"Where's your business card?" "Uh... I, um... I have to return some videotapes."

[@antagonistictherapy]

Those cards looked flimsy and cheap coming out of that machine. You get what you pay for I guess.

[@roberth1328]

They're business cards. What do you expect? They don't need to last 70 years, they just need to show the reader some information.

[@antagonistictherapy]

It needs to be durable enough to withstand handling, whether that be shoved in pockets or wallets. Plus it's essentially a portable resume. Would you hire somebody that handed you their resume on printer paper or would you hire someone who handed you a resume printed on linen paper. It says a lot about you and how much you care what medium you use. I know it sounds shallow but that's reality.

[@wilson1070]

do you live in japan?

[@Samzillah]

They keep them in special cases and would be offended if you put it in a wallet or pocket. And I'm sure that depending on the level of business the quality of the card would increase. They give them out every time they meet so they need a lot, which is costly.

[@Schodboyblves]

I print my business cards on rolling papers

[@Chris-bi5er]

My business was bought by a large Japanese company and the first thing we were taught as part of the transition: business card etiquette. Present the card with two hands, writing facing them, slight bow, receive their card, bow again, read both sides intently, never write on it, don’t shove it in your pocket. Basically treat it like they just gave you a grand.

[@DennisHou132]

That wink though.

[@bleukreuz]

Was looking for this exact comment.

[@Rockblue01]

The wink that saved the video :D

[@hd92122]

Just subscribed to their channel because of that wink.

[@uniqhnd23]

Dennis When?

[@CarlosEduardodeMeloRodovalho]

I'm sure that there's some king of discrimination when you show your machine made business card .. they're all like "um ... this design is not unique, what a shame ..." I like the design you made on your emergency business cards, though =)

[@marlonyo]

japan is like england even if they don't like it they will pretent to

[@ivangoh5619]

Every design is done a machine. It's designed on a machine. Printed on a machine and cut by a machine. The only real difference is the paper stock used. Thicker paper stocks usually cost more and looks more professional.

[@Sam-kj9ui]

@@ivangoh5619 No. Good designs are made by people. What are even talking about.

[@nhuthien198]

Advice: Bring anime to work.

[@Matt-ux8hh]

Bonus if its hentai

[@user-ud1ks6jy1m]

ㅤ

[@ChandlerJong]

Thien Lai advice : most Japanese people don't read Manga /Anime and kinda look down on people who do.

[@ChandlerJong]

Ginni Hamadan have you been to Japan? Lol

[@ChandlerJong]

Thien Lai most Japanese people are normal and do normal things. If you expect anything in particular when you go there, you'll be disappointed.

[@Amoore5229]

That sly wink. I melted.

[@RoboBoddicker]

You like that? Got it out of the vending machine yesterday. That's Bone. And the lettering is something called Cyllian Braille.

[@MrBledi]

1:24 Genius!!! Look at the O at the Borders logo, look how perfectly centred it is!! Speechles!

[@steamknife1]

It's a norm in East Asia, not just Japan. You give out your business cards and bow slightly to show your appreciation. You know, being humble and pleasant.

[@sayyiddaffam6822]

Not in Indonesia (my country), at least from what i know.

[@steamknife1]

prophetmonroe yeah I know nothing including English and typing. Perhaps you know what you're saying?

[@flaya11]

Not in Malaysia either. I don't think it's the same in other places too. Japan seems to be the only place where they kinda respect a little bit too much.

[@steamknife1]

Sayyid Daffa M & Fazley Fadzil I was meant to say East Asia. Sorry.

[@jasonpeng5798]

@@steamknife1 doesn't happen in China either

[@jaseneffendy17]

Vox is just one of those channels with consistent content every time. I'm still waiting for that Vox Pop video though.

[@Vox]

Estelle has a whole series of videos about music in the works! Stay tuned :)

[@jaseneffendy17]

Wasn't expecting a comment from the channel itself. I'll be glad to wait.

[@pkpk-jw2yu]

love this format, looking forward to the rest of the series

[@Sueloveschoc]

This is so true... I remember walking into a Japanese meeting and everybody in the agency had a business card and I didn’t (I was part of the client team). I was so embarrassed. Only sales people tend to have business cards in North America and that’s also becoming rare. People just check you out on LinkedIn or your email signature.

[@tenylegnincsevem]

except they can tell how cheap is that card so it can effect him negatively?

[@Maheshrpsharma]

totally

[@JohnLewis-old]

...and no one will say a thing.

[@clayswackhamer901]

Actually pretty resourceful to observe the Japanese custom of business cards, then design and print some using the Japanese custom of vending machines

[@theMoporter]

This is like the first thing beginner's guides to Japan mention. Did you not do the most basic amount of research for this international trip?

[@SuperbusQuartus159]

This is exactly what I want to watch!! :D Overall a short and sweet video, but I learn something really cool, get to see a real-life part of another culture or country, and it makes me want to watch more updates and videos from the guy.

[@duranduran3454]

This guy must love his job.

[@Winterseeker]

The footage is absolutely perfect, the story-telling, succinct. Keep up the great work!

[@ErnestJay88]

Because asking someone phone number or email address is "rude" in Japan, that's why giving other people business cards is easier

[@skelet0n650]

I didn't bring an interpreter to Japan. Big mistake.

[@Samzillah]

This is why you are supposed to research the countries you go to. Especially for business trips. Thats one of the first things you learn in international business. It shows respect and initiative. Then you dont end up looking rude or silly to people who you are hoping to work with.

[@overthecounterbeanie]

So... you do as much research for your trips as you do for your videos?

[@nicolaspintozzi8148]

Sharad Majumdar what a savage

[@dmayfield8256]

Sharad Majumdar BOOM! 😂

[@SupaEMT134]

I went to public high school is northern NJ and even *we learned this,* among other local cultural norms we may encounter around the globe.

[@vtgreenmt]

I love the music!! And the video of course.

[@atea947]

The word you're looking for is *meishi* (written 名刺).

[@ДанилЗаремба-ы9х]

"Is this your business card? It looks like those cheap ones you can print out at the subway station." Joking aside, love this series. Keep it up!

[@elgsquilliam]

Good gravy Vox continues to impress me with the variety and quality of its content. Keep doing you!

[@IradAtzmon]

"borders" is by far the most awesome thing you're doing nowadays, vox

[@stevewarwick2103]

Loving the Borders series. Keep up the good work, Johnny.

[@sanchirkh6019]

Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a watermark.

[@SourFrog42]

I'm really enjoying what I've seen of this series so. Learning lots of new things.

[@mikaylabansie9512]

Just admire Ezra & Johnny. Thanks for teaching and sharing

[@frozeneternity93]

I am seriously looking forward to this new series

[@badmeme486]

your subtle, simple business cards have an air of beauty, mr harris.

[@Mr_Creasy_]

I can't be the only one who was thinking of Patrick Bateman from *American Psycho* after watching this!

[@hellokitty4me]

I left my Graphic Designer at home, Big MISTAKE!!

[@chungs3980]

1:17 look at the guy in the background with his sexy sweater

[@maxhausner99]

You have still so much to learn about Japan my friend!!!

[@cloudburstt]

Dat wink tho~

[@peachylady]

It will never beat Paul Allen's business card.

[@Masterpg2007]

There's a big business cards culture in Japan, my father used to colect those when they're still a big thing in america.

[@enzov9772]

I'm gonna need that background music track.

[@argmax11]

Yo this guy is the most promising person on Vox right now! can't wait to see his short films

[@mewtwo2111]

argmax11 The guy didn't even research this basic Japanese etiquette. Why should i trust his research on his work.

[@Hanakooh]

i just saw this, and that business card machine is definitely a life-saver in japan. its all paper, but its better than absolutely no business card!

[@arnab20ghosh]

Where were you all this time!! loved your videos.

[@milykalbasi]

Reserving this comment for later Toxic commentary.

[@JamezMartinez]

No, Анон Анон beat you by two seconds

[@AkshayKumarX]

Hi there, have a nice day

[@DoctorBatmanMD]

I like your sunglasses.

[@coachmcguirk6297]

Milad From Iran youre waiting for commentary from one specific person named "Toxic"?

[@milykalbasi]

you too mate!

[@briankinney8030]

When he winked I swear my temp spiked!

[@633r]

these videos of japan are very insightful

[@laurenconrad1799]

That machine is impressive. I used Vista Print's "free" 100 cards plus the cost of shipping deal. And they relentlessly tried to sell me more stuff. But it was pretty awesome being a recent college graduate and getting a stack of cards in the mail with my name, email, portfolio website URL, and a fancy freelance tech writer title.

[@Bleedows]

Thanks for the information and nice color grading!

[@lulu9759]

When I lived in the US, I was surprised that everyone loves Christmas cards. But I don't say "I don't like Christmas cards" because I want to respect their culture.

[@blueseanomad7435]

Congrats on not getting stuck in Shinjuku station. I've lived in Japan 15 years and still get lost in there.

[@shirakawanaoya]

And at 0:58 i fell...

[@Colleendeborah]

THANK YOU!!!! For real!!!

[@kh-fm5rv]

I like this dude! Keep showing more videos of him

[@joeshky]

I'm looking forward to the next video!

[@mithunbalasubramanian8816]

Informative with realistic touch

[@itsjustnate]

Pretty excited for this series :)

[@rodyinjapan]

So you went to Japan, on business. But without any business cards? Respect.

[@OrientalGirl520]

I like it when this guy does vox videos

[@azerial]

That wink tho kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZjFaHmvr7abmM0 DADDY!

[@Amanda---]

VOX IS SUCH AN AWESOME PLACE TO FIND REAL JOURNALISM.

[@artski09]

rt and the rebel is the true place to find real journalism

[@matt_b...]

Well, I'm happy a modest amount of research was done prior to engaging a subject in an unfamiliar environment.

[@Tiedyeban]

The necessity of business cards is mentioned in every tourist book ever.

[@Takador]

that wink was so hot

[@presidentzeus2359]

Couldn't stop thinking about Norwegian high school graduation. Everyone gets their own humorous business cards and trade with each other, teachers, family, and most important: random kids.

[@asicdathens]

In the 90's while in college I hand a course in business communication. The first thing is had about Japan (for int'l business) was the ritual of the business cards. It's serious stuff for them,

[@feifanqiao9820]

It would be so much better to have this filmed in 4k

[@warewareno]

Shouldn't have even bothered with it. I know you'll see a lot of ppl exchanging them. It's just a formality. Everyone has them here. If someone changes jobs, they'll likely give their friends their new business card to collect, and their friend will put it into the space where they hold all the other cards they received (but aren't going to do business with); it's like some weird Pokémon collection game. Even the cashier at the gym or the sales associate at the clothing store has one. Because everyone has one, despite not owning a business or even playing a prominent role at a business; that really cheapens the idea of business cards. I'd rather opt to carry a portfolio or show digital samples of my work, and exchange contact if there is actual business to be done.

[@SwobyJ]

Japan seems the master of looking busy without doing much, but if enough people obsess over trying to look busy without doing much, productivity is still high. Hidden wastefulness (of potential; so no surprise the more energetic of media like video games try to urge people to make the most of what you have).

[@TThirdKing]

wow. you bought business cards - stunning discovery

[@AvGeekLucky]

"There's a vending machine for that"

[@ngzbblax]

Impressive. Very nice :)

[@woollyrhinoceros9149]

Love this series

[@j-ohara]

Wow, very lucky to find those machines! But I thought the whole business card thing in Japan was common knowledge, even for foreign professionals.

[@KanagawaMarcos]

00:21 it's like in the scene of American Psycho that everyone is trading business cards and Bale starts to thinking how his "friends" have a better card than he has.

[@KYPMbangi]

Yup, business card is even a big business there. I saw a TV ad for a business card company!

[@CatIndustrialComplex]

Now thats the kind of videos I like

[@jjjjll2013]

I love the color grading of this video~!

[@shuvle1312]

great series vox! keep it up

[@jcwab]

The whole video I was thinking I went there, there, there and there.

[@vietvudanh732]

I was an intern researcher for like 6 months, and the lab prepared business card for me. I used it once. But they still prepared it before I arrived. They are serious about it.

[@12345SID0]

Clearly never seen RISING SUN with Sean Connery!!!!

[@ladhkay]

Going to Japan with no business cards? I too like to live dangerously

[@ianmelzer]

You should read Japanese Beyond Words by Andrew Horvat. In it he talks about how a business card is to be treated as you would the person who gave it to you. You present your cards turned so the other person can read it as you take theirs and they take yours. You receive it, make a point of reading it carefully, and then place it on the table. You only put it away when the interview is over, to indicate it is over. Never damage the card by tearing or rolling the edges or folding it. You should have a case to hold all the cards you receive. Finding a phone number in a Japanese phone book is nearly impossible so having a person's contact info is important. Your card also says a lot about you and your profession. The more serious, the less colorful, the higher the rank, the less there is on the card. The Prime Minister's card just has his name and "Prime Minister".

[@buddhavskungfu]

Is there a Vox channel on TV? I'll pay for that.

[@SterlingWood]

I agree with your initial thinking on the NOT having business cards Johnny. ALTHOUGH, like you describe in this video I have found around the Los Angeles areas where the majority of the population is Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese etc. Business cards are a cultural tradition and common thing! Glad you found a robot to help you out! ; )

[@ericthomas3188]

You should make a video on the equipment and filming techniques you used on this trip

[@ntz752]

imperial system: prehistoric man:So you got a new wife? prehistoric man2:yeah and she's big too. prehistoric man:how much does she weight? prehistoric man2:Idk...maybe half a mammoth...

[@lilacosmanthus]

I go to Japan often. Very often. Like too often. And every time I go there, I'm reminded of our technologically outdated the US is. Not in the larger sense, of course, because we have Tesla and Apple and Alphabet and Intel, etc. But it's the little things that facilitate every day living that makes me think that we really need to make "small machines" less hipster and more mainstream.

[@ihax4208]

funny thing is, I'm about to get on a plane and flyover there in about 2 hours and this video was posted a half hour ago 😂

[@yaseerayub5621]

This feels like a vlog

[@r.d.x7403]

Ok. That's actually useful info. Should keep it in mind.

[@trifio5242]

PLEASE TELL ME THE NAME OF THE MUSIC!!!

[@othmaneeljadid]

If u find it tell me please